Completing nail services on a one-to-one basis with individual customers/clients within commercial timings
Occupational profile
A Nail services technician offers a range of services for customers’/clients’ nails. They complete all duties and treatments within the scope of the occupation. A Nail services technician works independently or as part of a team, supported by a salon/nail bar manager. They demonstrate a willingness to learn, have an enquiring and curious mind and are enthusiastic to learn about their chosen career. In addition they exhibit a good work ethic applied to learning, drive and commitment to learn and maintain continual professional development. They complete nail services on a one-to-one basis with individual customers/clients within commercial timings. The occupation is fast-paced and customer-focused, providing a range of bespoke nail services, advice and product recommendations whilst meeting legal, industry and organisational requirements and codes of practice. The work environment can be varied in size, style and ambience, from a cruise ship, through to small nail bars or stations, retail environments or luxury high end beauty salons or spas.
A Nail services technician:
- maintains and manages a nail bar or station in accordance with legal requirements and manufacturer’s instructions
- assesses customer’s/client’s requirements, choosing the most appropriate services and products
- makes and advises on bookings
- implements and practices safe ways of working for themselves and others in accordance with legal, industry and organisational requirements
- advises, demonstrates, recommends and sells a range of products and tools used in nail services
- uses a range of techniques, products, tools and equipment to provide:
- manicure services
- pedicure services
- advice to customers/clients on nail products and services
- gel polish services for nails
- basic nail art services
- nail enhancement services
- completes services to a high standard, maintaining customer confidentiality and rights
- portrays professionalism that meets legal, industry and organisational requirements and codes of practice for nail services
Duration
12 months (this does not include EPA period)
Delivery
The delivery will be done mainly at the workplace, with the off-the-job training accounting for at least 6 hours a week. The assessor will regularly visit you at work to observe you performing relevant tasks and to carry out professional discussions.
You will complete a Level 2 Nail Services Technician prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Upon completion you can progress onto an advanced or higher apprenticeship at level 3, 4 or 5.
End Point Assessment
The end-point assessment (EPA) for Nail Services Technician contains 2 methods of assessment which will be graded as Fail, Pass or Distinction:
- Multiple Choice Question
- Observation of Practice
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Individuals without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.